Course coordinator
Dr Simon Perry
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Advanced study of techniques of Western tonal music, with reference to aspects of 19th-century music, and integrated writing, analysis and aural skills components.
This course comprises two complementaryﾠcomponents: Music Techniques and Aural Skills.
The Music Techniques component of this course entails the further development of music writing and analytical skills in the area of common-practice tonal harmony, building on work completed in MUSC1600 and MUSC2060. Pastiche writing and analysis is now extended to textures beyond four-part vocal to embrace instrumental textures (primarily piano and string quartet) and further chromatic vocabulary and techniques. Classes are conducted in the keyboard lab and basic keyboard work is also integrated into the theory.
The Aural Skills component of this course sees a continuing development of aural skills progressing from MUSC1600 and MUSC2060. While continuing the refinement of diatonic scales (including modulators in sight singing), pentantonic scales, and cadences and modes, chord progressions and four-part dictation are added to complete the basic musicianship skills necessary for the practicing musician. Listening, analysing and singing relevant pieces from the musical literature are an extension for this course. Sight singing, part work, harmonic competence, transcribing and rhythmic development are core components of the course.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that all students commencing MUSC3060 will have passed MUSC1600 and MUSC2060; for students transfering to third-year at UQ from another institution, it is assumed that the equivalent of these courses has been attained. Students who lack this background level will find MUSC3060 a significant challenge and are advised to complete the earlier courses in the sequence. Students who have not passed MUSC2060 should repeat thatﾠcourse and pass it before attempting MUSC3060.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC2060
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MUSC2620
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Simon Perry
Mr Dominic Fitzgerald
Tutor
Dr Simon Perry
Dr Josephine Jin
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The Music Techniques component of MUSC3060 is designed to:
- consolidate an understanding of the fundamentals of diatonic and chromaticﾠtonal harmonyﾠthroughﾠboth analysis and pastiche music writing (four-part vocal, piano, and string-quartet textures);
- consolidate and develop understanding of non- and extra-chord tones, patterns of dissonance and resolution, sequences;
- develop an understanding ofﾠadditional elements of chromatic tonal harmonyﾠwithin an overall diatonic framework (secondary-dominant relations, modal mixture, mediant and Neapolitan modulations, linear chromatic chords, etc.);
- understand how individual elements can be integrated into a coherentﾠmusical whole in the context of tonal music with chromatic elements.
The Aural Skills component of MUSC3060 is, continuing from MUSC2060, designed to:
- foster further skills in active music making;
- develop further skills in aural analysis of musical works;
- develop further aural musicianship skills in memory work, individual part work, ensemble work, dictation and identification of musical elements/structures
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Music Techniques - Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to tonal harmony in common-practice chromatic idioms through analysis and pastiche writing
LO2.
Music Techniques - Successfully analyse chromatic tonal music in various idioms and formats using relevant methods
LO3.
Music Techniques - Complete various writing tasks integrating theoretical knowledge through basic idiomatic writing in textures such as four-part vocal, piano and string-quartet
LO4.
Music Techniques - Demonstrate harmonic and tonal skills through simple keyboard applications and have basic keyboard competency in standard progressions.
LO5.
Music Techniques - Work in a group, providing support, demonstrate preparedness and positive contribution
LO6.
Aural Skills - Demonstrate fluency and command of a set repertoire for this course
LO7.
Aural Skills - Perform with accurate intonation and attention to tone, blend, dynamics and stylistic characteristics of the musical material
LO8.
Aural Skills - Sing, play and notate familiar and unfamiliar musical material
LO9.
Aural Skills - Demonstrate accuracy, confidence and fluency in all individual, group and ensemble tasks
LO10.
Aural Skills - Demonstrate the ability to work creatively and collaboratively with your peers in practical activities and assessment tasks
LO11.
Aural Skills - Engage critically and reflectively with methodologies used for aural studie
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Dictations and Listening Test
|
20% |
27/05/2026
The test is run during class time in week 13 |
| Performance |
Individual Performance
|
30% |
15/06/2026 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Music Writing and Analysis Worksheets
|
25% |
Worksheet 1 16/03/2026 5:00 pm Worksheet 2 21/04/2026 5:00 pm Worksheet 3 18/05/2026 5:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Participation/ Student contribution |
Final project
|
25% Pass/fail |
12/05/2026 - 8/06/2026
Workshops will occur in weeks 12 and 13. The submitted project will be due on the first day of the examination period |
Assessment details
Dictations and Listening Test
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
27/05/2026
The test is run during class time in week 13
- Learning outcomes
- L06, L08, L09, L11
Task description
Students will be required to demonstrate the development of aural musicianship skills through a written examination.
PART A (Dictations): Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to think in sound through aural identification and/or dictation of elements such as: rhythm, intervals, melodic and harmonic materials.
PART B (Repertoire): Students may be required to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge through identification of the musical and contextual features (style and genre) of known and unknown repertoire. Students may also be required to demonstrate their ability to think in sound through analysis of unknown repertoire.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Papers are collected at the end of the test
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
In the event of an unforeseen circumstance preventing attendance (e.g. illness), please notify both the Aural Class lecturer and the course co-ordinator as soon as possible.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Individual Performance
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
15/06/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11
Task description
Students will demonstrate the ability to perform indiviudally (singing and playing), repertoire and exercises studied in class or self-prepared. Detail will be provided in class and on Blackboard in a timely manner.
Tasks must be videoed with the identity of the student clearly visible to the marker.
Music may be used if preferred.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assessment is submitted as a video with student identity clear to the marker
Audio and video quality must be sufficient for a fair assessment—i.e. reasonably clear sound free of distortion, reasonably light and in focus video. Professional/broadcast quality is not required
Videos are to be uploaded to the Blackboard site via the specified assessment link
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applications for extensions will only be considered when lodged on or before the day of the assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Music Writing and Analysis Worksheets
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Worksheet 1 16/03/2026 5:00 pm
Worksheet 2 21/04/2026 5:00 pm
Worksheet 3 18/05/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Three (3) worksheets are set during the semester on topics and techniques covered in the weeks prior to submission. All worksheets are of equal value within the percentage allotted to this assessment component of the course
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Worksheets are to be submitted electronically through specified submission links in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applications for extensions will only be considered when lodged on or before the day of the assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Final project
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 25% Pass/fail
- Due date
12/05/2026 - 8/06/2026
Workshops will occur in weeks 12 and 13. The submitted project will be due on the first day of the examination period
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05
Task description
The final project will be a short pastiche composition which integrates a suitable range of harmonic techniques and concepts as studied throughout the semester. It is to be playable by members of a group to in which each student is placed. Compositions will be workshopped during the final two weeks of the course. A short written statement about how the work has been written and changes made as a result of workshopping is also required.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Students will participate in the workshops; they will submit their final written project via the course Blackboard site
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work is grossly deficient and does not satisfy basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy basic requirements of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Work demonstrates an adequate grasp of fundamental concepts and skills as required in assessment activities, although it also shows significant room for improvement in fluency and accuracy. Understanding of concepts, while evident, lacks sophistication. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an adequate grasp of fundamental concepts and skills as required in assessment activities, although it also shows significant room for improvement in fluency and accuracy. Understanding of concepts, while evident, lacks sophistication. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a commendable understanding of main concepts, and acquired skills are used appropriately in contextual tasks. There is still room for improvement in a number of areas. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates insight into deeper aspects of the subject and proficiency in all associated skills which are integrated fully in writing and performance and other tasks. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an exceptional understanding and a high level of proficiency in all aspects of the subject and an imaginative flair in writing and aural tasks. |
Additional course grading information
The above descriptors provide general indications as to performance overall based on UQ wide definitions; students are directed to the specific assessment criteria and/or rubrics provided for individual assessment tasks, as well as formative feedback for more specific information on their performance in assessable work.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Students are directed to the following to important points relating to the determination of the final grade in MUSC3060:
- In order to pass MUSC3060, students must obtain a minimum grade of "4" (50% or greater) in BOTH components of the course (music techniques and aural skills).
- Within each componentﾠ(Music Techniques and Aural Skills) of MUSC3060, students must attempt all items of assessment in full and in good faith in order to be eligible for a passing grade. In cases where this condition is not metﾠthere will be no consideration given to applications for supplementary assessment.
Student are required to retain a copy of all written/recorded assessment, whether submitted by hard copy or electronically.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Access to a keyboard is a requirement for participation in this course. While a piano is considered ideal, an electronic keyboard (minim 5 octaves) will also suffice. |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Gotham, Kyle Gullings, Chelsey Hamm, Bryn Hughes, Brian Jarvis, Megan Lavengood, and John Peterson. Open Music Theory. Version 2. Pressbooks, 2023. https://viva.pressbooks.pub/openmusictheory/ | An open source music theory textbook covering all topics relevant to the theoretical content of this course. |
Additional learning resources information
It is recommended that students consider utilising music notation editing software as appropriate in assessment tasks. ﾠNotation software has a couple of benefits:
- it typically provides more readable output, and
- it allows you hear your work as you write it. ﾠ
It also has one or two drawbacks:
- there is a bit of a learning curve involved, even just for simple note and rest entry, andﾠ
- for music theory work in particular, while most software packages are able to create analytical notation (such as Roman-numeral and figured bass symbols) it is not always the easiest thing in the world to get them to do it elegantly, and takes some perseverance and experience.
Common professional packages are Finale and Sibelius, while an open source freeware notation editor that is quite capable is MuseScore, and this is recommended if you don't have access to professional packages
Well presented hand-written work is also still acceptable (and preferred for shorter exercises), but please try to make sure you are listening carefully to what you write.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Aural Skills Class Weekly two-hour class in aural skills with practical participation in activities. This class is not scheduled during the School of Music Project Week. Learning outcomes: L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 11 |
Lecture |
Music Techniques Lectures Concepts introduced week to week to full cohort Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Music Techniques Tutorials Lecture concepts are explored in more depth in smaller tutorial groups working through exercises Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Group Workshop The final two works in the Music Techniques stream are devoted to the final project submission. Students will perform their work in progress in small groups. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site
Course guidelines
Communication (VERY important, please read carefully):
- The primary means of communication between the staff for this course and enrolled students is by email.
- Only UQ student email addresses will be used for this purpose.
- Students must check their UQ email account regularly.
- Failure to read important notifications about the course as may occur from time to time will NOT be regarded as a valid reason for failing to comply with course requirements.
- Students should also log in regularly to the learn.UQ learning management system and check the MUSC3060 site for announcements, for added lecture and tutorial content and for assessment items and related information. Again, failure to log in regularly to learn.UQ and check the MUSC3060 site is NOT considered a valid reason for failing to comply with course requirements.